What Happens if There Is Insufficient Protein in Your Diet?

by Sylvie Tremblay

A healthy diet contains ample amounts of three macronutrients -- carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Consuming several servings of each macronutrient is essential to your health, and failure to consume enough of any nutrient can lead to malnutrition. Insufficient protein in your diet causes protein energy malnutrition, or PEM, and leads to a number of symptoms.

Types of Protein Deficiency

Protein deficiency falls into two categories: Kwashiorkor protein deficiency, which occurs when you consume too little protein but still consume enough calories, and Maramus protein deficiency, which occurs when you consume too little protein as well as too few calories. Both types of protein deficiency occur more commonly in poor countries but can also affect Americans, especially elderly Americans who live in nursing homes or children suffering severe neglect, reports MedlinePlus.

Reduced Protein Synthesis

One of the main effects of protein deficiency is a reduction in protein synthesis within your cells. Each of your cells contains millions of protein molecules and continually produces new protein to replace older protein molecules. If you fail to consume enough essential amino acids, your body cannot access the compounds needed to make up this new protein, which ultimately slows new protein production.

Tissue Breakdown

Over time, insufficient protein in your diet leads to a breakdown of your tissue. Since your cells cannot rely on your diet to supply the amino acids needed for protein synthesis, your body begins to break down existing proteins as a source of amino acids. As a result, prolonged protein deficiency leads to tissue loss, especially a loss of protein-rich muscle tissue. If you suffer from Maramus protein deficiency, your body also breaks down muscle tissue as a source of energy. For both Kwashiorkor and Maramus protein deficiency, this tissue breakdown leads to atrophy of the muscles and heart, weight loss and changes in the condition of the hair and skin.

Preventing Protein Deficiency

In general, you need approximately 0.4 grams of protein for each pound you weigh -- a 120-pound individual should consume 48 grams of protein a day, while a 180-pound individual should consume 72 grams. Try to add protein to each of your meals through the day by consuming a varied diet that includes several sources of lean proteins. Instead of filling your plate with low-protein foods, like white rice or potatoes, eat more nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, poultry, fish, eggs or milk to boost your protein intake.

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About the Author

Sylvie Tremblay holds a Master of Science in molecular and cellular biology and has years of experience as a cancer researcher and neuroscientist. Based in Ontario, Canada, Tremblay is an experienced copywriter, journalist and blogger specializing in nutrition, fitness, lifestyle, health and biotechnology, as well as real estate, agriculture and clean tech.

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